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The Elective Programme

• Set you apart from other Post 16 learners and give you the edge when it comes to employment or University entry.
• Give you a chance to study in a different way than in a traditional setting.
• Broaden your choices and open up new opportunities for you Post 18.
• Develop skills in learning which will prepare you for the next stage.
• Make you more of an independent learner.
• Allow you to study something without having to do an AS Level in it.
• Give you added qualifications which could make the difference Post 18.
• Open up new experiences that will benefit you immensely in Higher Education.
• Allow you to follow a particular interest and gain a qualification from it.

What can I do?

Look at the choices that we are offering you from September 2011.

Read carefully the options available and decide what you would like to do.

Choose at least one option for a September start.

Community Sports Leaders Award (CSLA)

The CSLA course is a fantastic course open to anyone aged 16+.  This training course is an ideal step towards gaining National Governing Body coaching qualifications, and will give you the chance to develop your communication, organisation and leadership skills, giving you the confidence to lead sport in the community. Open to anyone, not just those studying or those who have studied Sport at GCSE or AS Level. NO EXAMS, all continual assessment and portfolio.

Weblink: www.sportsleaders.org/home/Content.aspx?PageID=CommunityLeadership

AS or A2 World Development

A full AS level designed for those with an interest in World Development issues including development, resources, citizenship, poverty and inequality on a global scale. Open to anyone, not only those studying Geography or Environmental Science, this is a two unit award with one external exam and one piece of coursework. For those who have done AS already, we may be able to offer you the full A2 to be completed in Y12.

AS General Studies

A 2 unit course which looks at Science in Society and Arts, Culture and the Media in Society. A very General course (hence the title) which will give you an extra AS level qualification. Much of the material is online and you will be expected to READ articles and write exam style short essays. This will build on your knowledge from GCSE and you must be willing and able to express your opinion on a wide variety of topics which effect society today from Genetic Engineering to Overcrowded Prisons.

GCSE Resit Maths or Level 2 Adult Numeracy

Revisit GCSE Mathematics. A key qualification for any profession, but an essential requirement for nursing and teaching at any level. Anyone without a Grade C in Maths will be encouraged to take the Maths resit or Level 2 Adult Numeracy course. You will cover Number, algebra, handling data, trigonometry, shape, space and measure.

GCSE Resit English

Revisit GCSE English. An absolute MUST qualification for any profession, but an essential requirement for nursing and teaching at any level. Anyone without a Grade C in any English course will be encouraged to take the English resit course.

Horse Owner Certificates

The Horse Owner’s Certificates are offered at four levels of knowledge with regard to the care and management of the horse and are specifically aimed at the horse owner or potential owners. Each level will be assessed in the form of a written paper, completed under examination conditions.

Weblink: www.bhs.org.uk/content/Ods-More.asp?id=1866&pg=Education&spg=Information&area=2

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Graded at A* - E, the EPQ has the value of a full AS Level (or half an A Level). The qualification is very flexible and could be an extension of a subject you currently study, a subject you would have like to study but haven't chosen or just relate to a major interest. You will have to produce either a 5000 word report or a 1000 word report backed up by other materials (such as film, photo evidence, an artefact, a product, sketchbooks etc). It can not be a piece of coursework for a subject that you will already be doing anyway in your AS or A2 course.

Examples of recent titles chosen by students:

• "Was Gordon Brown a good Prime Minister?"
• "The Meaning of Love"
• "The Art of Creating a Music Video"
• "Boudicca monologue in the style of William Shakespeare"
• "The development of Weaponry from 17th Century to modern day"
• "MRSA - the silent killer"

The EPQ can relate to ANY theme and need not be restricted to those above. You DO have to have very strong research skills and produce a folder of evidence of your work as you go and you need to be methodical and organised to do this. However, you do need to have an individual idea of what area you want to base your EPQ around. This is only suitable for students with a real academic drive and interest in exploring a topic that their current studies will not allow them to do and as such is only suitable for students with 5 or more A* - A.

Weblink: http://www.young-enterprise.org.uk/pub/

Rockschool Qualifications

Rockschool offers exams in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals and Popular Piano from Debut up to Grade 8. Grade Exams: are for students who want to develop performance and technical skills. A graded examination is made up of the following components:

A performance of either three pieces from the Rockschool syllabus book or two pieces from the book and one free choice piece.

Technical exercises

• A choice of sight reading, improvisation and interpretation or a Quick Study Piece
• Ear Tests
• General Musicianship tests

Performance Certificates

...are for players who want to focus on performing in a range of styles and can be taken at any grade. Players will only play pieces in this type of exam.

Band exams

...are for players who want to perform as a band. This exam is taken with all three instruments, Drums, Bass and Guitar playing the parts from the books together, as a group. The designated Band exams are Grades 3, 5 and 8.

Weblink: www.rockschool.co.uk

NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Photography

The NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Photography is an ideal qualification for those wishing to extend their skills and knowledge in either film and or digital photography. The qualification has three units which must all be completed. It is important that you have your own digital camera, printer with capacity to print colour photos to at least A4. Camera phones are not suitable for this course. This will provide an ideal opportunity to produce and evaluate a range of photographic images as well as developing and adapting your images in a creative way. FIRST CHOICE WILL GO TO STUDENTS STUDYING MEDIA, GRAPHICS OR ART AND DESIGN.

BTEC Level 2 Award: Introduction to Counselling Skills

This qualification is focused on introducing counselling skills. The level 2 qualification is likely to be the most suitable starting point for learners who are interested in counselling. However, the qualification will also be suitable for those who are working in the health and social care sector using some of the skills but not as cousellors or counselling skills practioners. Such roles may include Care workers/Early years practioners/Teaching assistants/Support services staff/ customer service staff in caring organisastions etc. The qualification may also be of use for learners interested in working with people in a variety of contexts - teaching, medicine, nursing, all Health workers. The qualification may also be of interest to learners on academic qualifications for whom an introduction to counselling skills would be of benefit in their future choice of career.

There are two units of coursework to complete:

• Unit 1: Introduction to Using Counselling Skills
• Unit 2: The Context of Counselling Skills Use

weblink: http://www.edexcel.com/quals/btec-sc/health/lvl2/isc/Pages/default.aspx

OCR Breakthrough Italian

This qualification is designed for absolute beginners to Italian. You can gain qualifications in listening, reading and speaking and this course will focus on teaching you the basics of everyday conversational Italian. You will be able to recognise and read notices, understand and take part in basic conversations. The course also has progression through the Asset Languages "Language Ladder" up through to Preliminary, Intermediate and even to Advanced. Depending upon your progress, you will get certification for what you have learnt. A great way to learn a superb new language. Can benefit anyone and learning a new language from nothing is always an exciting experience. See more about the ASSET languages ladder.

weblink: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/asset/languages/italian/index.html

Pottery and Ceramics - NCFE Level 1

This course gives a basic knowledge of design and ceramic skills. It is project based and introduces drawing for design, basic construction methods, coiling, slabbing, throwing, casting, decorating techniques, glazing, slipwork and enamels. This could add an extra dimension to an interest in Art and Design or just as an interest.

Weblink: http://www.ncfe.org.uk/QualificationDocuments/qualspec/500-6663-8/Qualification%20Specification.pdf

Distance and On-line learning

We have many opportunities for you to discover this kind of learning which will be new to you all. This type of learning puts you in the driving seat and you will be supported in school to complete activities and projects which are delivered as packages either through text books, on-line or a mixture of both. This type of learning is common in Post 18 and in Adult Learning environments and allows you to go at your own pace with certain limitations. Your assignments could even be done on line and marked by a tutor external to school. Often you will have tutorial support from this person too. An exciting way of learning, but one which demands lots of motivation, determination and self-discipline.

Open University Modules*

These are at all University Level and will really show Universities that you can already perform at this level. This shouldn’t scare you as every year, thousands of adults with little prior learning experience take up Open University Modules. An increasing number of Post 16 students across the country are taking advantage of this opportunity. You will get great resources to learn from and superb support from the Open University. Successful completion will show that you can cope with independent learning and are motivated to study in a different way. Naturally, these skills are highly prized by Universities up and down the country. You will also have some in-school support to help you with your learning. We will pay for you to enrol and receive materials and allocate two hours on your timetable each week for supported learning. However, these courses are expensive and should you not complete, you will be eligible to pay the school 75% of the cost of the course (around £90). You should not choose more than one module of the courses below.

Weblink: www.open.ac.uk/yass/

Information on all the modules available can be found on this weblink:

http://www.open.ac.uk/yass/p5.shtml

But we will only offer you the ones listed below.

Science modules*

All of these modules are ideal for students with an interest in Science. They last FIVE months and will start in September 2011. They will require around five hours of individual work per week. Advice is available from expert study advisers by phone or through an on-line forum, There is one piece of assessment which is completed at the end of the module.

Introducing Astronomy*

Where do stellar explosions, distant galaxies and the big bang fit into the overall picture? Study the planets,stars,galaxies, the possibility of extra-terrestrial life and the origin of the universe.

Planets: An introduction*

What are the planets? How were they formed? What are their similarities and differences? You’ll examine planetary surfaces and touch on geological and meteorological processes that shape the planets. For total beginners and real enthusiasts.

Understanding Human Nutrition*

Are we what we eat? What is the link between food and our own well-being? You will look at the components of the human diet and investigate how food is processed in the body. You will also touch on the Chemistry of food types and health issues.

Molecules, Medicines and Drugs: A chemical Story*

It’s our understanding of molecules that is responsible for many of the drugs that combat ill-health. Explore the discovery of a range of drugs that relieve pain, provide cures and ease symptoms. Some Chemistry and Biology knowledge needed here.

Empire of the Microbes*

Since the birth of civilisation humans have had an uneasy alliance with the microbial world. These single-celled creatures have brought us terrible afflictions such as Black Death, pandemics and food poisoning, but at the same time they ferment our wine, help our bread rise and work in the soil to enable our crops to grow. This course provides an introduction to microbes, explaining their importance in disease and environmental issues and their role in making and spoiling food.

Elements of Forensic Science*

The course explores how forensic scientists work, the techniques they use and how they reach the conclusions they present in court. Forensic science uses a wide range of scientific techniques so it can become very complex to study, although every attempt is made in the course to ensure that the science is accessible. In this course we focus on topics relating to the human body. You will learn about fingerprints, body fluids, drugs and DNA. DNA testing is a fascinating topic and many controversial cases hinge on DNA evidence. You find out why DNA is such a useful substance in forensic science and some of the reasons why its use can be controversial.

Human Genetics and Health Issues*

Genetic research is at the cutting edge of modern Science. It explores the human genome project, how genes function, how the physical and biochemical characteristics of the body are produced and why there are differences between individuals and populations. Some knowledge of Biology required.

Fossils and the History of Life*

This course will give you the basic understanding of fossils and an overview of the history of life. The course books also cover (in colour) spectacular fossils such as dinosaurs and other vertebrates, rare fossils that have soft parts preserved; human evolution; mass extinctions, and other key events in the evolution of life. We give you some replica fossils on which you can learn to make and record observations on specimens. The course will encourage you to think critically about reconstructions of prehistoric animals and plants, and the environments in which they lived. It will give you a perspective of life today and how it has changed over geological time.

Non Science themes: Design and the Web*

This ten week course, based on a course website, shows how design principles can be applied to the creation of well-designed web pages and websites. It requires around 8 hours a week of study. It explores the elements of web page design, text, colour, images, and assembling them as layout. The course also covers usability issues such as navigation, access, interactivity, and designing virtual experiences. You will get to play the role of a designer commissioned to design a website for the course team for your final assessment. You will be supported by an intensively moderated online conference where you can ask for help and advice.

Robotics and the Meaning of Life*

This 10 week online course will introduce you to robotics and the design of intelligent machines. It requires around 8 hours a week of study. It allows you to investigate the relationship between robots and humans, and to question what it means for a mechanic to be intelligent in the context of what it means to be human. Even if you are a complete beginner, you will be able to build simulations of autonomous robots according to easy-to-follow instructions. These will be programmed using special software appropriate for complete novices. You can choose at any time to take up the kit option that makes use of LEGO MindStormsTM Robotics Invention kit (which you'll need to provide. However, we do not recommend that this kit is bought especially for the course).

Start Writing Fiction*

Have you ever thought about writing short stories or trying your hand at a novel? This 12 week course will show you how to fire your creativity and imagination as well as equipping you with the basic narrative strategies. You will need around 8 hours a week of study to do this course. You will study and practise plot and story-structure, character creation, place, and voice. You will be encouraged to build up a regular practice of writing by keeping a writer's notebook, doing warm up exercises, and reading as a writer, adding to your repertoire of techniques by examining other writer's methods. Online discussions with your tutor and group will help you to develop and revise your work. There will be two assessed pieces of work: the first one a set of exercises written to a given theme; the second an entire short story or the beginning of a longer narrative. The course is written by a novelist and is supported by an audio CD containing interviews with  several novelists talking abou their own inspirations and methods.

Digital Film School*

Digital film school is your chance to join the millions of people around the world who make and share video every day. The explosion of film-making for websites and mobiles gives people and organisations the opportunity to tell their stories and show what they have to offer, at low cost. This 10 week online course is practical, hands-on and fun, built around simple tasks based on real-world briefs and a strong culture of mutual support between students. Our experienced team of film-makers will show you some of the craft secrets that underpin good film making, and how the professionals stay up to date. This is a 10 week course and there are certain requirements you need to be able to study it.

You will need the following to study this course:

• a camera or mobile device that can record standard definition or high definition video
• videa editing software
• broadband internet access for transferring and playing video files
• a computer capable of working with all of the above. You must check that you have enough computer power at home to be able to complete this course by looking at the website below and checking all the specifications.

weblink: http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/t156.htm

Other distance or on-line learning courses (not Open University)

You will not be able to “drop” these courses once started, as payment is all at the start. We will pay for your completion of these courses, but you must be willing to complete all the assignments and sit the exams. Should you not complete, you will be eligible to pay a 50% refund to the school (around £90 -£140).

AS Level Law

This is an AS Level course with the WJEC exam board. You will have some lessons with a Law specialist but will be expected to do the majority of your learning from an online e-book and written sources independently. From these, you will prepare for the exams which will take place at the end of Year 12 in May. The two units are Understanding Legal Values, Structures and Processes and Understanding Legal Reasoning, Personnel and Methods. To find out more about this course, you must have a look at the specifications in the weblink below. This is a very demanding course and you must have at least 5 Grade Bs at GCSE with Bs in English and any other source related subjects like History or Geography.

Weblink: http://www.wjec.co.uk/uploads/publications/1835.pdf

Teaching English as a Foreign Language – (TEFL)*

This will require access to the Internet as it is an online course. It will take between 40 and 60 hours of study over 26 weeks and you can study at your own pace. You will get an internationally accredited certificate, personal one to one tutor support, and for the future access to jobs teaching English worldwide. Samples of the modules include: An insight into the very latest English teaching methods; A guide to English Grammar; Classroom management and student levels; How to teach English grammar and Vocabulary; How to teach Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking Skills; Games and Lesson planning. You will be supported with this work in school.

Weblink: http://www.onlinetefl.com/online-tefl/index.html

Criminology for Beginners

This level 2 course will enable you to understand the basics behind forensics, processing a scene of crime, profiling and will examine the past cases and policing methods as well as crime and punishment. There are eight lessons in all: What is criminology; knives; the case of Jack the Ripper; Parricide and Matricide; the post morterm/autopsy; prostitution; the black dahlia and execution.

You will be allocated an online or postal tutor and at the end of each of the lessons you must submit an assignment to this tutor who will give you feedback on how well you have managed to complete your assignment. You must be able to work to deadlines and manage the workload. This is a 16 week course accredited by NCFE, a well-recognised UK awarding body.

weblink: http://www.elearnuk.co.uk/det/848/Criminology+for+Beginners

Work Experience

If you wish to consider this option, you must abide by the following:

• You must not work with close relatives.
• Your placement must be local and you will be responsible for funding the cost of transport to and from your placement.
• You must find your own placement by approaching an employer who has already experience of receiving Work Experience students from Driffield School. This must be done BEFORE you attend for your interview in September and you must complete the paperwork before this interview.
• The employer will need to be able to receive you every Thursday from 10.30am -12.30pm from September 2011 to June 2012.
• You may not start a placement without the consent of the school’s work experience co-ordinator.
• If your placement does not happen within 4 weeks of starting school, you will attend General Studies AS Level classes at this time and be entered for the General Studies examination.
• You must pick up an Application for a Self-Canvassed Work Experience Placement from Miss Woodman.
• You must bring back the first page of the Application for a self-canvassed work experience placement sheet to your interview in August, fully completed by you and by the employer. NO SHEETS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DATE.
• You will not be permitted to start a placement that needs you to complete a CRB check unless you have one already.

In-School Placements (ISP)

Of course, here in school we have a number of work-related opportunities that you can take advantage of. These may relate directly to a possible future employment route. These options are limited in number and all have to be applied for individually. You can pick up an application form from Mr Myers or Miss Bateman. If you take this option, you will work alongside staff every Thursday from 10.15 - 12.30.

• ICT Technicians
• In-School Catering
• Science Technicians
• Art and Design Technicians
• Learning Support Department
• Enterprise Technicians
• Office Administration

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